RedHat Linux 5.1 Network Configurator Setup
Under RedHat 5.1, by far the easiest way to get your PPP link working with Sonic is using the Network Configurator tool in the control panel. Before setting up the PPP link, be sure that /dev/modem points to the proper serial device for your modem; check this with minicom or seyon to ensure that pppd will be able to use the modem. Once that's done, do the following steps:
As root, run the control-panel application; you will need to be in X as root, or else in X as yourself, running 'xhost localhost', then using 'su -' to become root.
Click on the 'Network Configuration' icon in the control panel. The Network Configurator tool will open.
Under the 'Names' option, fill in your hostname as '
.sonic.net' (for example, if your machine is called tux, your hostname would be tux.sonic.net; this name won't resolve to anything, but it will keep your hostname(1) happy). Enter your domain as 'sonic.net'. Under 'Nameservers,' enter the following, each on a separate line:
208.201.224.11
208.201.224.33
208.201.224.22Click on 'Interfaces' to open the interface setup. Click on 'Add.' A window labelled 'Choose Interface Type' will open.
Check 'PPP' from the list of interface types, then click OK. The window 'Choose Interface type' will disappear, and be replaced with a window entitled 'Create PPP Interface.'
Under 'Phone number,' type in your desired dialup number. This will most likely be 522-1001; check the list of dialup numbers at http://storm.sonic.net/support/docs/quick-ref.shtml to be certain. For 'PPP login name, type in your username followed by .ppp, as in 'username.ppp'. Under 'PPP password,' type in your password. Note that this password will be displayed in cleartext as you type, so don't do this when your screen may be observed by passersby. Click on 'Customize.'
Check the box labelled 'Allow any user to (de)activate interface.' This will enable you to activate your PPP link with the usernet tool, without needing to be root. Adjust 'Line speed,' if needed, to the highest speed supported by your modem and serial port -- for 28.8 modems and higher this will typically be 115200; for 14.4 modems it will be 57600, and for 9600 modems it will be 38400; for modems slower than 9600 baud, see your modem documentation. Click on 'Networking.'
Ensure that 'Activate interface at boot time' and 'Restart PPP when connection fails' are NOT checked. Check 'Set default route when making connection (defaultroute).' Ensure that the fields for 'Local IP address' and 'Remote IP address' are empty.
Optional: If you will be using your PPP link for telnet or SSH logins to other UNIX hosts, enter 512 or 768 into the 'MRU' field. Otherwise, leave the field blank.
Click on 'Done.' In the confirmation window that will appear, click 'Save.'
To use your connection, highlight the connection in the Network Configurator and type 'Activate,' or alternatively use the usernet tool.
